Monday, December 20, 2010

Gas 2.0

Gas 2.0

Cadillac Working on Plug-In SRX Crossover

Posted: 20 Dec 2010 01:29 PM PST

The Cadillac Converj concept was a short-lived concept, greenlighted and then cancelled in short order. However, GM has said that the plug-in hybrid Voltec drivetrain would make it into other vehicles, and the Cadillac SRX is a likely candidate.

When the SRX debuted back in 2004, it was a simple crossover. In 2008 the Provoq concept (above) debut, which GM stated could one day hold a fuel-cell or electric powertrain. The next-gen SRX borrowed heavily from the Provoq concept, but it is more likely the new SRX will get a modified version of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, running on electric power before switching over to a gas-powered range extender. Initially, it looked like Cadillac was going to get its own version of the Volt, based on the Converj concept (below). I'm thinking that GM reconsidered the idea of selling a $45,000+ gussied up Chevy Cruze with the Cadillac badge.

Good call. GM has a horrible history of rebadging budget cars as Cadillacs, which has really dragged Caddy's good name through the mud. Time voted the Cadillac Cimarron, a fancy Chevy Cavalier, one of the 50 Worst Cars of All Time. So going with a Volt-based SRX, a purpose-built Cadillac crossover, means would-be Caddy buyers aren't getting a second-hand Chevy with leather seats. Perhaps GM really can learn from its past mistakes?

Source: Reuters

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.
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